Apple iPad event reportedly set for March 21; day before FBI hearing

WATCH ABOVE: According to reports from re/code and Buzzfeed, apple will likely unveil a new smaller iPhone model and a new iPad model. Apple hasn't officially confirmed this date but if the reports are right, that would be the day before the company will face the FBI in court regarding the iPhone hacking scandal.

However, if both reports are correct, the event would fall just one day before representatives for the company are set to appear in a district court in California to oppose the FBI’s order to force it to hack an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters.

The timing of the alleged iPad event could set the stage for some interesting remarks on the case from Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Apple vs. FBI: What happens next?

March 3: This is the deadline for any supporters or opponents of the case to file “friend of the court” briefs, stating their stance on the matter. A number of leading tech companies – including Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Twitter – have vowed to file a brief in support of Apple.

March 10: The government will have a chance to respond to Apple’s order asking the federal magistrate to reverse her order.

March 15: Once the government has issued its final response, Apple will have a chance to reply by this date.

March 22: Lawyers representing both Apple and the FBI will appear in a district court in California. Each side will argue their case to the magistrate judge, who is expected to hand down her ruling shortly after. The losing party will have the option to appeal the ruling.